More than 70 armed forces personnel have been referred to the Home Office over alleged extremism since 2018, it has emerged.
The Government confirmed that 73 instances had been handed to the Prevent programme, which tackles potential terrorists, by the navy. Of these 22 referrals had been made in 2023, up from 5 six years earlier.
Campaigners have branded it a “worrying trend”, simply days after consultants warned far-right teams pose a “significant risk” throughout the navy and police forces. The figures had been confirmed by Armed Forces Minister James Heappey.
Patrik Hermansson, Senior Researcher at HOPE not hate, advised The Mirror: “Although the numbers involved are small, this is a worrying trend and one that matches the overall increased interest in violence from extremist contexts.
“While we don’t know the breakdown of ideological motivations behind these Prevent referrals, there’s a vital curiosity from far-right activists within the navy. They need to acquire a capability for violence and to show their very own masculinity.”
Earlier this month a report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said that far-right groups “strategically infiltrate” security forces, pointing to dozens of cases where far-right sympathisers were identified.
Answering a question by Labour’s Andrew Gwynne, Mr Heappey said there were 13 cases referred to Prevent in both 2021 and 2022, up from eight in 2020. In 2019 there were 12 and in 2018 there were five.
He said he was unable to provide a breakdown of which part of the Ministry of Defence the individuals worked in. The Home Office declined to comment on the cases.
An MOD spokesperson said: “We do not tolerate extremism in any form and are committed to stamping out any unacceptable behaviour in our Armed Forces. In all cases, we take early action to confront and challenge conduct that falls short of the high standards expected. As part of the government’s counter terrorism strategy, we work with partners in the Prevent programme to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.”
Referral to Prevent does not amount to an accusation of criminality. A RUSI report published this month said there appear to be “vital gaps and challenges in successfully figuring out potential extremists”. It went on: “This poses a substantial danger, notably as far-right organisations strategically infiltrate safety forces, exploiting organisational similarities and cultural overlaps.”